Trump Declares Democrats' Affordability Issue 'Dead'
President Donald Trump claimed that the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner this year is 25% lower compared to last year without providing detailed context. He declared the Democrats’ focus on affordability as a “dead” issue.
“2025 Thanksgiving dinner under Trump is 25% lower than 2024 Thanksgiving dinner under Biden, according to Walmart,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday morning.
He added that his costs are lower than the Democrats' on everything, especially oil and gas, and urged people to stop what he calls lying about affordability.
“My [costs] are lower than the Democrats on everything, especially oil and gas! So the Democrats ‘affordability’ issue is DEAD! STOP LYING!!!”
Contrasting Campaign Statements on Affordability
However, James Blair, political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign, recently emphasized a different approach. In an interview with Politico, he said the President will maintain a strong focus on affordability and the cost of living, which seems to contrast with Trump’s earlier statement.
“The president is very keyed into what’s going on, and he recognizes, like anybody, that it takes time to do an economic turnaround, but all the fundamentals are there, and I think you’ll see him be very, very focused on prices and cost of living,” Blair said.
Blair cited a recent political example to stress the importance of affordability.
“Why did Zohran Mamdani do so well last night? He relentlessly focused on affordability. People talk about communists, they can say all these things, but the fact is he was talking about the cost of living.”
These remarks suggest the Trump campaign acknowledges affordability as a continuing issue despite Trump's declaration.
Author’s summary: President Trump claims affordability issues are resolved with lower costs this year but his campaign leader indicates affordability and cost of living remain key focuses.